You Are Not So Smart 080 - Deep Canvassing
Jul 13, 2016
Joshua Calla, a PhD student from UC Berkeley, dives into groundbreaking methods of changing minds on contentious issues. He discusses deep canvassing, a technique that fosters understanding through personal dialogue, particularly around transgender rights. The conversation unpacks how grassroots efforts can reshape opinions against a backdrop of scientific controversies, highlighting the importance of empathy and storytelling in persuasion. Calla also shares insights on the impact of meaningful conversations and the ongoing research to validate these innovative strategies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Effective Real Conversations
- A canvasser in Miami engaged a stranger with a non-judgmental conversation about transgender rights.
- The individual moved from opposition to full support after discussing personal feelings and experiences.
Fraud Uncovered, Technique Intact
- A key published study on deep canvassing was retracted due to fraud by a researcher, not due to the technique's failure.
- This scandal did not invalidate deep canvassing itself but revealed the need for further rigorous study.
Deep Canvassing’s Origin Story
- The Leadership Lab began deep canvassing after losing California's Proposition 8 on same-sex marriage.
- They iterated over years using real conversations to develop a method that effectively changes attitudes.
